Hypertension/High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease. It's important to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.

Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure or force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels (known as arteries). The top number represents the pressure when your heart contracts and pushes blood out (systolic) and the bottom number is the lowest pressure when the heart relaxes between beats (diastolic).

Blood pressure that is consistently more than 140/90 mm Hg when measured in the doctor's office or 135/85 mmHg when measured at home is considered high. If you have diabetes, 140/90 mm Hg is high.

Normal blood pressure is between 120/80 mm Hg and 129/84 mm Hg.

If your blood pressure is between 130/85 mm Hg and 139/89 mm Hg, you have "high-normal" blood pressure, which is more likely to develop into high blood pressure.

For more information about hypertension/high blood pressure check out the following websites:

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada

Public Health Agency of Canada

Up-to-date Patient Information

Services in your area that may help:

The Improving Health: My Way Program helps individuals with chronic health problems to manage their health, and maintain active and fulfilling lives, despite the challenges associated with chronic illnesses. For more information contact selfmanagement@westernhealth.nl.ca or look at our website.